A petition to save a famous music venue in the city receives support from MPs, as redevelopment threatens it’s existence

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Clwb Ifor Bach is one of the most famous music venues in Wales. It has a reputation for supporting young artists of all genres from the UK, but especially Welsh musicians. Award-winning Welsh speaking songwriter Gwenno was celebrated in a mural on the side on the building.

However, there are currently plans to build a new apartment block on Womanby Street, next to the venue. Nearby venues Dempseys and Full Moon have recently closed due to redevelopment, with most being flattened and turned into residential spaces. The Point in Cardiff Bay was closed after residents filed noise complaints in 2009.

Fans have started a petition to save the venue, which has had more than 7,000 signatures so far. A Facebook page entitled “Save Womanby St has also been set up. The goal is to “save Womanby St and our live music.”

It could be extremely damaging for the Welsh music scene if Clwb Ifor Bach succumbs to redevelopment. It is an issue devastating music scenes up and down the country.

MPs Kevin Brennan and Jo Stevens want venues of cultural importance to have special protection from developers to restrict residential schemes. The Welsh Government said that protecting venues was being considered in a review of planning law.

Later this year, Clwb Ifor Bach will host bands including Tall Ships, Palace and Gnarwolves. Roni Size, DJ Shadow, Black Lips, Blood Red Shoes, Foals and Super Furry Animals have all played at the venue during their careers.